– Scientists examined a 3,000-year-old mummified crocodile located in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in the UK.
– In ancient Egypt, crocodiles were sacrificed and mummified in elaborate ceremonies dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek. Their organs were left intact unlike human mummies.
– Researchers from the University of Manchester used non-invasive CT scanning and x-rays to examine the inside of the crocodile mummy without damaging it.
– In the crocodile’s stomach, they discovered gastroliths (stones swallowed for digestion) and an intact fish hooked to a bronze fish hook.
– This indicates the crocodile was likely caught by ancient Egyptians through fishing right before being sacrificed, as the gastroliths had not moved through its system yet.
– The discovery provides insights into how ancient Egyptians may have captured crocodiles for sacrificial ceremonies and the mummification process for crocodiles versus humans.
Source: Popular Mechanics
